Description
This Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of two beloved dishes into one hearty, cheesy bake. Featuring penne pasta, savory ground beef, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that combines rich Italian flavors with the convenience of a one-dish bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Meats
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prepare the rest of the casserole.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Pepperoni and Sauce: Stir the sliced pepperoni and marinara sauce into the browned beef. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly so each piece is coated in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the cheese layer to enhance flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and for easier slicing.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the oregano and garlic powder.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
